Kawartha Lakes announces new participants in the Starter Company PLUS fall program
New ideas, new businesses, new energy: Kawartha Lakes 2025 Fall Starter Company PLUS cohort announced
Kawartha Lakes – The Small Business Centre in Kawartha Lakes is proud to welcome a new group of entrepreneurs into the Starter Company PLUS Fall 2025 Cohort. This exciting initiative supports aspiring and early-stage business owners from across the region as they launch and grow their companies, strengthening our local economy and building a more vibrant business community.
This fall’s cohort includes a diverse mix of industries and passions, showcasing the creativity and determination of local entrepreneurs. Participants include professionals in construction, bookkeeping, health and wellness, food services and more. Each entrepreneur brings unique ideas and skills that contribute to the economic and cultural growth of our community.
Through the Starter Company PLUS Program, participants receive personalized business training, one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to a start-up grant of up to $5000. These resources are designed to help them refine their business plans, build confidence, and lay the foundation for long-term success. The program is delivered locally by Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre in partnership with the Province of Ontario.
The program is part of Kawartha Lakes’ ongoing commitment to supporting small business development and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Graduates of previous cohorts have gone on to open storefronts, expand their services, and make meaningful contributions to the local business landscape.
“This program gave me the tools and confidence to grow my business the right way,” said Kevin Harper, of Harper Homes. “It’s amazing to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about making a difference.”
As these new participants begin their journey, the community is encouraged to follow their progress and support their ventures. Their success stories will be shared on Kawartha Lakes social media accounts and newsletters in the coming months.
Meet the participants
Fiona Baird: KBS Group
KBS Group – Fiona is a Certified Professional Bookkeeper, she provides in-person and virtual personal and business services in Kawartha Lakes and across Canada.
Contact:
Wade Bond: Cross Creek Contracting
Cross Creek Contracting is a local general contractor specializing in custom decks and framing, window and door installation, exterior siding and trim, and interior renovations and finishings. They provide Kawartha Lakes with affordable general contracting services for big and small jobs.
Contact:
Tel: 705-341-5173
Autumn Donnelly: Autumn Wood Creations
Autumn Wood Creations creates custom and original wood-burned art. Each piece is unique, drawn and burned entirely by hand.
Contact:
autumn.donnelly.wood.creations@gmail.com
Bob Edwardson: Broken Dreams Motorcycle Garage
Broken Dreams Motorcycle Garage specializes in Harley Davidsons. They offer parts, service, repairs, and accessories in Kawartha Lakes.
Contact:
Brittany Goodfellow
Brittany is a certified doula and trained Social Worker. She blends compassionate perinatal care with professional insight into mental health, stress, trauma, and family dynamics.
Contact:
Dave Granic: 13 Contracting
13 Contracting specializes in high-quality composite deck installations and interior renovations, delivering craftsmanship that elevates every space. They combine precision, durability, and design to bring your vision to life-inside and out.
Contact:
Ryan Kindree: Kindree Field Service
Kindree Field Service is a mobile heavy equipment repair business that quickly diagnoses and fixes complex mechanical and hydraulic faults. They specialize in keeping critical construction, forestry, and agricultural machinery up and running.
Contact:
Holli Wilson: The Loaded Spud Potato Bar
The Loaded Spud Potato Bar offers customizable loaded baked potatoes with a variety of fresh toppings located at 233 Kent St Lindsay ON. Focused on quality, convenience, and community, they provide a fun and inclusive dining experience centred around their "Loaded with Kindness" initiative.
Contact:
About the Starter Company Plus Program
The next cohort will be in the Spring of 2026. For more information, visit the Starter Company PLUS page or email Sandy Greenberg at sgreenberg@kawarthalakes.ca.
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) offers a no cost, confidential and customized advisory service for launching and growing your business. KLSBC is your first stop for advice or resources for your entrepreneurial journey. For more information visit the web page or contact Christine McLean at cmclean@kawarthalakes.ca. KLSBC is funded by the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Government of Ontario.
Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
